The ancient hilltop town of Cavriana, one of the most typical in the Morainic area, has been traced to prehistoric times, as testified by archaeological findings uncovered in the hills (the earliest ones date back to the Neolithic period, 5000BC)

Cavriana

"The ancient hilltop town of Cavriana, one of the most typical in the Morainic area, has been traced to prehistoric times, as testified by archaeological findings uncovered in the hills (the earliest ones date back to the Neolithic period, 5000BC). In the Middle Ages, the village was fortified with a castle housing the Gonzaga court from the 15th century. The castle was destroyed by the Austrians in the mid 700s, leaving only the walls - the main defensive system - standing today along with the Mediaeval Tower. At the foot of the latter stands a fine example of 700s Gonzaga family architecture, the Villa Mirra Siliprandi, which has been repeatedly renovated and transformed over the years. It is currently home to a variety of exhibitions and conferences, and also hosts the ""Dulcissima"" confectionary fair during the Ancient Saint Blaise Festival. Tucked away in another corner of the building is the Archaeological Museum of the Mantuan Hills, one of the most important museums in the Italian region of Lombardy.
Just outside the village, on a tree-lined avenue, is the Saint Mary Parish Church, an 11th century Romanesque building featuring a distinctive brick, pebble and stone facade with 12th-14th century frescoes inside. From its hilltop location offering views stretching as far as the Emilia Romagna Apennines, this church is unquestionably one of the most fascinating religious edifices in the entire province.
Cavriana offers a pleasant haven away from the sticky heat and chaos, but with an equally vibrant programme of social and cultural events. The outstanding natural beauty and rich natural habitat of the area has earned the province the designation of environmentally protected site. The rural ward of Bande di Cavriana was also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2011 on account of its many pre-historic pile-dwellings."